My apartment hunting saga is also drawing to a close so I have to get that post in order as well. Tonight I had a weird, scene from a movie/epiphany moment walking back from the subway through Midtown. This random Mary J Blige song came on my iPod (I think it was called Baggage?) and all the sudden the words and the beat and the lights of the Empire State Building just aligned and I found myself smiling, holding my head up a little higher than normal and swaying to the music while I tried not to shiver from the cold (yes west coast readers-fall has arrived here in NY...). Anyway I felt like I should be the opening scene to some movie where the main character moves to NY with just a suitcase and a dream and by the end she overcomes hardship to find love, success and money. So who would play me? I'd be happy with a Natalie Portman/Keira Knightley type I think :)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Quick post
Just wanted to write my first post from my new lovely and sleek Mac Book Pro. Problem 1 of why I wasn't writing often enough is now solved so I must think of a new excuse :)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Fall Post
Wow, it's been so long since I've written, it's not even the same season anymore!
Excuses:
1) I really need a new laptop or netbook (send all donations to allie.herzog@yahoo.com )
2) I've been in the process of moving/apartment hunting (whole looooong seperate post to come on that)
Also, I've been trying to figure out what exactly I should be posting on here. I see my blog and as a place for me to publicly document my life and write about random things I experience, feel, observe, etc. I hope I'm not oversharing but at the same time I've enjoyed having this outlet as a strictly fun and non-work related place to write and express myself. So that's what I'm going to keep it as. As much as I love reading fellow marketing, PR and social media people's blogs that focus on the business, I kinda like the alliezog blog as a (mostly) non-industry related space. Of course from time to time my love for social media, technology and all other things geeky will show through, but I hope I can maintain this blog as a place to ramble on about my life, whether anyone will read it or not.
So stay tuned for my experiences on apartment hunting in NYC (EPIC TORTURE), bits about my favorite TV shows (Gossip Girl, Mad Men to name a few...) and other random things that fasicnate me. As for my opinions on the state of print journalism, the world of politics, and fun new social media tools (all topics of great interest to me) they may seep in from time to time but for now, they are not the main subject of this blog :-)
Excuses:
1) I really need a new laptop or netbook (send all donations to allie.herzog@yahoo.com )
2) I've been in the process of moving/apartment hunting (whole looooong seperate post to come on that)
Also, I've been trying to figure out what exactly I should be posting on here. I see my blog and as a place for me to publicly document my life and write about random things I experience, feel, observe, etc. I hope I'm not oversharing but at the same time I've enjoyed having this outlet as a strictly fun and non-work related place to write and express myself. So that's what I'm going to keep it as. As much as I love reading fellow marketing, PR and social media people's blogs that focus on the business, I kinda like the alliezog blog as a (mostly) non-industry related space. Of course from time to time my love for social media, technology and all other things geeky will show through, but I hope I can maintain this blog as a place to ramble on about my life, whether anyone will read it or not.
So stay tuned for my experiences on apartment hunting in NYC (EPIC TORTURE), bits about my favorite TV shows (Gossip Girl, Mad Men to name a few...) and other random things that fasicnate me. As for my opinions on the state of print journalism, the world of politics, and fun new social media tools (all topics of great interest to me) they may seep in from time to time but for now, they are not the main subject of this blog :-)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"If I can make it here, I'll make it anywhereeeee.."
Ever get in those "only in NY" kinda moods?
Sometimes, especially after spending some time outside of the magical city (recently I have been in LI, RI and Buffalo, NY) I find myself momentarily questioning what the "expletive deleted" I am doing here? Why am I putting up with the crowds and the subways and the $12 deli sandwiches and the fast-paced, high priced lifestyle? Then I give myself a minute and remember why millions of people come to NYC from every part of the world. They come here to "make it." To achieve their dreams and be someone. To make a better life for themselves, to experience the things that only NYC has to offer and to feel the pulse of the city where truly *anything* is possible. Then I remind myself that growing up on LI I always imagined myself breezing through the city streets passing celebrities and bums and whatever else may be in my path, and being a confident, independent and successful career women. This fantasy also included a strange desire to be one of those ladies that wore skirt suits with Easy Spirit walking shoes on the train and then changed into heels at the office but that part of the dream has thankfully been abandoned. Then I think about all the people that came here with nothing-literally nothing-the people who may have risked their lives to seek opportunity here, the people who may be sleeping on a dirty mattress in a room with 10 other people just to have the chance to wash dishes here. The people long ago who came through Ellis Island and what the Statue of Liberty meant to them...OK so this post is now taking a really cheesy turn but you get the drift...
For every one of us who sometimes feels worn out just trying to make it here, for those who are waiting for the day that they can say "I have arrived," and for those of us loving every minute of it, this post is for you. I would love to hear how other people living in this crazy, beautiful, but sometimes overwhelming city get over than occasional *freak out* feeling. Let me know!
Until then, queue Sinatra...
Sometimes, especially after spending some time outside of the magical city (recently I have been in LI, RI and Buffalo, NY) I find myself momentarily questioning what the "expletive deleted" I am doing here? Why am I putting up with the crowds and the subways and the $12 deli sandwiches and the fast-paced, high priced lifestyle? Then I give myself a minute and remember why millions of people come to NYC from every part of the world. They come here to "make it." To achieve their dreams and be someone. To make a better life for themselves, to experience the things that only NYC has to offer and to feel the pulse of the city where truly *anything* is possible. Then I remind myself that growing up on LI I always imagined myself breezing through the city streets passing celebrities and bums and whatever else may be in my path, and being a confident, independent and successful career women. This fantasy also included a strange desire to be one of those ladies that wore skirt suits with Easy Spirit walking shoes on the train and then changed into heels at the office but that part of the dream has thankfully been abandoned. Then I think about all the people that came here with nothing-literally nothing-the people who may have risked their lives to seek opportunity here, the people who may be sleeping on a dirty mattress in a room with 10 other people just to have the chance to wash dishes here. The people long ago who came through Ellis Island and what the Statue of Liberty meant to them...OK so this post is now taking a really cheesy turn but you get the drift...
For every one of us who sometimes feels worn out just trying to make it here, for those who are waiting for the day that they can say "I have arrived," and for those of us loving every minute of it, this post is for you. I would love to hear how other people living in this crazy, beautiful, but sometimes overwhelming city get over than occasional *freak out* feeling. Let me know!
Until then, queue Sinatra...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Epiphany in the Nail Salon...
The other day I was getting my eyebrows waxed when I had a mini life-changing moment--I realized I was at that age that your mother is referring to when she says,"You'll see when your older." Well you're right mom, I finally "see!"
So back when I was young and "wild," I got my eyebrow pierced in a short-lived phase of being an "alterna-chic." The phase lasted maybe 6 months, until I realized I couldn't skateboard and the eyebrow ring was becoming more of an eyesore than anything else. Flash forward now almost 10 years as the kindly women doing my brows noticed my scar and asked if I had gotten injured there. I laughed and told her that it was from an eyebrow ring I once thought was cool and she began to tell me about her 19 year-old daughter who just got a tattoo. I had sort of this outer body experience where I found myself telling the women how her daughter will realize when she's older that her mom was very wise and that a Chinese symbol on the back of your neck may seem cool now, but probably won't look very cool with your wedding dress or in 50 years when your old and saggy. I think I even said something like, "have her call me, I'll talk some sense into her."
As I walked home from the nail salon, I realized I was no longer in the stage of my life where I can blame my age or my naivety for my actions. From now on, I have no excuses for rash decisions and I will be held fully accountable for my choices. Kind of a scary thought for an admittedly impulsive risk-taker. But I also realized that I had grown up a lot since my eyebrow ring days. Although I'm still more impulsive than I am cautious, and would probably still be considered a bit "free-spirited" by some, I think that I definitely have made some strides in the "stopping to think things through" category.
So back when I was young and "wild," I got my eyebrow pierced in a short-lived phase of being an "alterna-chic." The phase lasted maybe 6 months, until I realized I couldn't skateboard and the eyebrow ring was becoming more of an eyesore than anything else. Flash forward now almost 10 years as the kindly women doing my brows noticed my scar and asked if I had gotten injured there. I laughed and told her that it was from an eyebrow ring I once thought was cool and she began to tell me about her 19 year-old daughter who just got a tattoo. I had sort of this outer body experience where I found myself telling the women how her daughter will realize when she's older that her mom was very wise and that a Chinese symbol on the back of your neck may seem cool now, but probably won't look very cool with your wedding dress or in 50 years when your old and saggy. I think I even said something like, "have her call me, I'll talk some sense into her."
As I walked home from the nail salon, I realized I was no longer in the stage of my life where I can blame my age or my naivety for my actions. From now on, I have no excuses for rash decisions and I will be held fully accountable for my choices. Kind of a scary thought for an admittedly impulsive risk-taker. But I also realized that I had grown up a lot since my eyebrow ring days. Although I'm still more impulsive than I am cautious, and would probably still be considered a bit "free-spirited" by some, I think that I definitely have made some strides in the "stopping to think things through" category.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Where do I begin?
Well July is nearly over and I haven't written one post. Let's see, what have I been up to/thinking about/doing?
- Worked a full month at the new job. It's challenging and rewarding and hey, they pay me...can't complain so far :)
- Visited my favorite town in the world, Newport, RI and had a great time seeing old friends, old hangouts and lots of sun, sand, food and bev
- Started my search for an apartment in NYC...if you have ever done it, then you know, this is no easy task...requirements for me include actual windows, close to subway, balcony/roofdeck a HUGE plus, near grocery store or laundry (if not IN building) oh yeah and lots of closet space and maybe one of those cute breakfast nooks in the kitchen...am I asking too much?? I'll keep you posted!
There's so much going on in my life I have found it hard to find the time to write. Also, I realized how easy it was to write when I was working for myself (or hardly working) because I could say whatever was on my mind...and there was A LOT. But now things have changed and I realize there are some things I should save for my private journal (or a super secret blog site!). I do plan to write more especially about things that interest me and that I am passionate about such as music, travel (which I hope to do A LOT of in 2010) and more. So thanks for sticking with me folks....I promise not to disappoint :)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Makes you think...
Today was an emotional and strange day in the world of celebrity and news. We lost not one but two legends. One was tragic yet somewhat expected and one was seemingly out of the blue, although many people said they weren't surprised by it.
The craziest thing about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and even Ed McMahon a few days ago is that I found out about all three of them through twitter. Not once when the stories were unfolding did I turn on the radio or the TV, and for the most part I didn't even visit any major news sites. I literally followed the entire thing on twitter, noting who got the stories first and who was most accurate. Breaking News On (@breakingnewson) seemed pretty quick with updates and the celebrity bloggers and other celeb enthusiasts were quick with Retweets, updates and opinions. It was a true testament to the changing times that I essentially needed nothing more than my phone and twitter app to be completed up to date on Michael Jackson's death. I saw a quick tweet at the end of my work date that mentioned him being taken to the ER but didn't pay much attention to it in the midst of the Farrah mourning. Then, on my hour train ride, I settled in and checked my twitter stream, only to find out that history was being made. I teared up a few times from a combination of the obvious sadness of the death of an undisputed music legend, and also a bit from the impact of just getting all this info and reading all these people's heartfelt messages all while sitting silently on the LIRR. At one point as I was deep in twitterland, I considered announcing MJ's passing to my train car, or striking up a convo with the sleeping businessman next to me, but decided that would be too odd. It just felt so weird to be finding out such dramatic news while the people around me seemed to be clueless (at least those not on their phones). I also found it fascinating that TMZ legitimately broke the story first, followed by other celeb bloggers and less credible sources, and further more, they were totally on point. Next came the LA Times and finally after a few others came CNN. A lot has changed from the days of tuning into CNN because it was the ONLY source of 24 hour news around...
I just wanted to write something today to honor the deaths of three people who were legends in their own way. Putting all personal stuff aside (personal stuff which everyone has in one way or another) Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers our generation has ever seen. Ed McMahon was a household name that everyone loved. Farrah Fawcett was the embodiment of sexy and in her final days became an inspiration to us all with her brave battle. Although I never met any of these people and do feel that sometimes it's crazy the way the public obsesses about celebs that they know nothing about personally, I think that these three people clearly impacted the world, and for that, they deserve our blessings. My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones tonight.
On a completely unrelated note, I am off to Fire Island again this weekend, and plan on writing an epic post (or maybe event multiple posts) on my experiences there so far. I know, I'm a slacker!
The craziest thing about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and even Ed McMahon a few days ago is that I found out about all three of them through twitter. Not once when the stories were unfolding did I turn on the radio or the TV, and for the most part I didn't even visit any major news sites. I literally followed the entire thing on twitter, noting who got the stories first and who was most accurate. Breaking News On (@breakingnewson) seemed pretty quick with updates and the celebrity bloggers and other celeb enthusiasts were quick with Retweets, updates and opinions. It was a true testament to the changing times that I essentially needed nothing more than my phone and twitter app to be completed up to date on Michael Jackson's death. I saw a quick tweet at the end of my work date that mentioned him being taken to the ER but didn't pay much attention to it in the midst of the Farrah mourning. Then, on my hour train ride, I settled in and checked my twitter stream, only to find out that history was being made. I teared up a few times from a combination of the obvious sadness of the death of an undisputed music legend, and also a bit from the impact of just getting all this info and reading all these people's heartfelt messages all while sitting silently on the LIRR. At one point as I was deep in twitterland, I considered announcing MJ's passing to my train car, or striking up a convo with the sleeping businessman next to me, but decided that would be too odd. It just felt so weird to be finding out such dramatic news while the people around me seemed to be clueless (at least those not on their phones). I also found it fascinating that TMZ legitimately broke the story first, followed by other celeb bloggers and less credible sources, and further more, they were totally on point. Next came the LA Times and finally after a few others came CNN. A lot has changed from the days of tuning into CNN because it was the ONLY source of 24 hour news around...
I just wanted to write something today to honor the deaths of three people who were legends in their own way. Putting all personal stuff aside (personal stuff which everyone has in one way or another) Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers our generation has ever seen. Ed McMahon was a household name that everyone loved. Farrah Fawcett was the embodiment of sexy and in her final days became an inspiration to us all with her brave battle. Although I never met any of these people and do feel that sometimes it's crazy the way the public obsesses about celebs that they know nothing about personally, I think that these three people clearly impacted the world, and for that, they deserve our blessings. My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones tonight.
On a completely unrelated note, I am off to Fire Island again this weekend, and plan on writing an epic post (or maybe event multiple posts) on my experiences there so far. I know, I'm a slacker!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Full Speed Ahead...
This past week has been really cool! I had a really awesome experience attending various seminars, conferences, parties and the likes, while covering Internet Week as a social communicator for Pepsico. I met some amazing, smart and quirky people, and got to meet people whom I previously had only known by their twitter avatars or their blog pen names. I am happy to report that they were all just as intelligent and interesting in real life :)
The events ended on Monday and I have just been relaxing and enjoying my last few days of independent work before I go back to a full-time position next week! This weekend I will be spending with 10 of the coolest people in NYC at our summer share on Fire Island. I haven't been there since like, our 6th grade field trip to Watch Hill and maybe one mid-high school 4th of July after that. Anyway--I'm excited. We will staying in Ocean Beach Park and I fully intend on reporting back about the charm of the town when I return. I'm not bringing my computer so I will have to rely on my Iphone for my necessary doses of info each day. I'll end this post with one of my favorite quotes because it just seems appropriate.
"The cure for anything is salt water-sweat, tears or the sea."
The events ended on Monday and I have just been relaxing and enjoying my last few days of independent work before I go back to a full-time position next week! This weekend I will be spending with 10 of the coolest people in NYC at our summer share on Fire Island. I haven't been there since like, our 6th grade field trip to Watch Hill and maybe one mid-high school 4th of July after that. Anyway--I'm excited. We will staying in Ocean Beach Park and I fully intend on reporting back about the charm of the town when I return. I'm not bringing my computer so I will have to rely on my Iphone for my necessary doses of info each day. I'll end this post with one of my favorite quotes because it just seems appropriate.
"The cure for anything is salt water-sweat, tears or the sea."
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